COUGARS

We had to make an executive decision this morning. The choice was complicated: Put up one morning post, intermingling football and basketball, which would make WSU's section longer, or put up two, with the usual football stuff in the first one and a shorter one featuring basketball. I came down on the side of one, using the logic that you folks are interested in WSU, no matter what. At least that's how I read it. If you have thoughts, pass them on.
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• Washington State: The Cougars will face UCLA this Saturday in Dad's Weekend, and we have our first look. A final announcement on whether Jeff Tuel will be able to practice and play has yet to be made. But it looks like UCLA will have its starting quarterback, Kevin Prince. ... WSU opened the Ken Bone era – unofficially, of course – with an exhibition win over Lewis-Clark State in Beasley. Here's our story, a little longer version of which, along with some notes, can be found here. Bone was pleased with the defense and passing, displeased with the rebounding and slow pace of play, saying 73 points wasn't a lot to score. ... Freelancer Howie Stalwick had this basketball story in the News Tribune and other papers. ... The Cougar soccer team will compete in the NCAA Tournament again this season, but they have to go all the way across the country to do it.

• Around the Pac-10: ESPN.com's Ted Miller breaks down the rest of the conference race. ... Washington: Looking at the rest of the season, maybe the Huskies' turnaround isn't going to be as quick as hoped. ... Part of the problem ins the red-zone offense. ... Oregon State: With the Huskies coming to town, the Beavers have a lot riding on the game. ... Oregon: As you probably know by now, the Ducks reinstated running back LeGarrette Blount. In this day of quick dissemination, that's old news. So we link a story that asks how he'll fit in. ... California: With no football news, we switch to hoops. The Bears held off Murray State in their opener last night. ... Stanford: The Cardinal have their biggest man-vs.-man battle this week, playing USC, the Pac-10's most physical team. This covers who won't be playing. ... USC: As does this story, from the Trojans perspective. ...UCLA: The quarterbacks want to keep their receivers happy. ... The Bruins get a commitment from Washington's biggest player, literally. Got to love the headline (players can't sign until tomorrow). ... Arizona State: Who will play quarterback this week? ... Arizona: Maybe the Wildcats might not have to be perfect down the stretch.

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• That's it for this morning. We'll be back after football practice with news and notes. Until later …

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